Planning and Community Development Department

Pasadena Plastic Bag Ban Ordinance

Frequently Asked Questions

Large grocery stores and food marts in Pasadena no longer provide single-use plastic carry-out bags and charge 10 cents each for paper bags.

Why has the City of Pasadena banned plastic carryout bags?

They are produced from non-renewable resources.

They are designed to be disposable, rather than reusable.

They are not likely to be recycled – less than 5% of the 19 billion plastic bags used annually in California are recycled.

They are a significant and visible component of litter.

They pollute our local waterways.

They are a hazard to wildlife.

What stores are affected?

The plastic bag ban went into effect for large grocery stores and food marts on July 1, 2012. These are grocery stores or food marts with at least 10,000 square feet of retail space and stores less than 10,000 square feet that have a pharmacy.

On December 31, 2012, the ban will take effect for smaller grocery stores and food marts, liquor stores, convenience stores, farmers markets, drug stores, pharmacies and vendors at City sponsored events, facilities, or on City property.

What stores/restaurants are exempt from the ban?

The plastic bag ban does not apply to restaurants and fast food establishments. It does not apply to stores that do not sell food, liquor, or have a pharmacy.

Why are stores charging ten cents for paper bags?

In order to reduce the use of single-use carryout bags, a charge of 10 cents per bag is placed on all single use paper bags distributed at stores.

What happens to the money collected for paper bags?

The charge for recyclable paper carryout bags is not a tax. No portion of the 10 cent charge is remitted to the City. The charge allows the affected store to recover the cost of compliance with the ban, including providing recyclable paper carryout bags, or costs associated with a store’s own educational materials or campaign encouraging the use of reusable bags.

Are plastic produce and meat bags also banned?

No, the ban does not apply to the small bags used for produce or meat.

How can I avoid paying a fee for paper bags?

All stores must provide reusable bags to customers, either for sale or at no charge. Don’t forget to bring the bags with you when you shop. Keep extra bags in your car or at your workplace.

Who is exempt from paying the fee?

The charge will be waived for customers participating in either the State Department of Social Services Food Stamp Program or the California Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children.

Is there a flyer for stores?

Yes, if you are a store and wish to display a flyer, you can click on the PDF file below and print the file.

How is the ban being enforced?

Enforcement of the ban will be complaint driven. Code Enforcement within the City’s Planning & Community Development Department will investigate any complaints. Please contact them at 626-744-4633.

How can I get more information?

The ordinance and City Council report are available below. For additional information, please contact the City Planning & Community Development Department at 626-744-4009.

City Council Approves Plastic Bag Ban Ordinance

On October 3, 2011, the recommendation to prohibit the distribution of single-use plastic carryout bags for consumer use and the establishment of a charge on single-use paper carryout bags was unanimously approved by City Council.